Zinfandel - Guildford

This is an interesting, trendy, family orientated restaurant, serving what they term 'Napa Valley Cuisine'.

Brothers Christopher and Robert Wale and their respective spouses, Deborah and Carol are behind Zinfandel and claim that their menus are inspired by the cuisine of California's Napa Valley, stating that 'This is a glorious region which is fast becoming the USA's number one gourmet destination. Quality ingredients combined with flair and cooked with care."

Certainly the 2003 Good Food Guide seemed to agree and included the restaurant in the main section of the guide.

Dishes on offer could include: Thai shrimp and noodles, crispy "gunpowder" won-ton, bruised cilantro, peanut-spicy coconut dressing or butternut squash and wild mushroom risotto-cakes with caramelized bell-pepper relish to start.

Followed either by highly original pizzas from a wood fired oven, like crushed organic plum tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, fresh basil or BBQ chicken, smoked gouda and mozzarella with cilantro, or wonderful sounding grills like Szechuan dry-rubbed pork fillet with bell pepper caponata or seared fillets of sea bass, vine tomato, chorizo and cucumber salsa.

Finishing with those highly calorific Californian desserts such as pecan pie with maple syrup; chocolate brownie with caramel swirls or California cheesecake with blueberry compote.

The combination of delicious and highly original food with professional, friendly service in a striking, stylish environment seems to work well for them; they are also excellent at looking after kids with a special menu at £6.95 for a main course, dessert and a soft drink.

Every town should have a Zinfandel ought to be their motto.